Set Index And Thai Mutual Funds

[seb2015]

Since it's that merry xmas and happy new year time of the year again, I thought I'd check in with you Mr Fletch to read about how you look back on 2016 and forward to 2017 (that is if you're still around..).

 

I thank you again for your recommendation on THB cost averaging a LTF each year: 3 years on already and I can't complain at all :)

 

What about the KrungSiri Global Income fund? Are you still happy with it ?

And that new car ?

[fletchsmile]

Merry Xmas and Happy New Year to be, seb.

 

Yes still around - just I wander a little more in other forums and places in addition these days so less time here :)

 

New car is great. The Mrs. likes driving it - which makes my life easier - and makes it money well spent - rarely drive much myself these days LOL . As interest rates were low I went for a 5 year finance deal to spread the cost. Yes they build the cost of finance into the price you get to some extent, but you never get big discounts on price anyway in Thailand on cars and the cost of financing was lower than deposit rates at the banks, even though very low.

 

Krungrsi/JPM Global Income has done OK. Not going to make anyone rich, but is a good solid core holding which beats money sat in cash for assuming a little more risk. It has quite a large USD and US focus so has had the added benefit of a strengthening dollar amid various issues around the world so been quite defensive. 

 

Cheers

Fletch :)

 

Edited November 26, 2016 by fletchsmile

[seb2015]

Thanks Fletch, I believe the car dealerships make their margins through the financing options, to such a point that I think they would not agree on you paying cash for your vehicle :D

I wonder how the industry will look like if interest rates go up at some point in the future..

As 2016 is closing I was looking at some options to 1) reduce my tax base and 2) get some return on cash

On 1) I went with Bk Bank LTF this year and just realized only recently that life insurance might not be a bad vehicle with its 100k deductible from our net taxable amount.
I came across some of the insurance plans from Prudential distributed by Thanachart and am hesitating now.

On 2) I'm much less advanced. I looked at the standard chartered ESaver that you recommended some time ago but the interest fell at an all time low of 1,5% thus my question on the Krungsri account. Maybe I should approach this differently eventually..

I'm glad to hear that you quit driving , it's definitely one of the thing that makes me go nuts in here - I def let the ms drive whenever I can :)

Have a great new year and Xmas
/Seb

[fletchsmile]

A quick view on Emerging Markets for 2017. Still like Russia.

JRS - JPM Russia Investment Trust I hold had a stellar 2016 up 74.5% in sterling terms.

IEER - MSCI Eastern Europe ETF I also hold but have reduced significantly was up 56.8% in GBP

 

I don't expect that strong in 2017 but think there's more to come

============================

The Most Popular Investor Picks for Emerging Markets in 2017

 

Russia

• For investors that borrow in currencies with low interest rates and buy high yielding ones, Russia’s ruble is a top bet. UBS Group AG says the ruble’s carry trade could potentially return 26 percent over the next 12 months, the most among developing EMEA peers. Aside from having relatively high interest rates, Russia is benefiting from rising oil prices. That helps make its equity market an “obvious candidate” for NN Investment Partners.

contd....

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-02/top-investor-picks-for-emerging-markets-in-2017

 

Edited January 3, 2017 by fletchsmile

[fletchsmile]

I've been a big fan of Neil Woodford for 25+ years, and done very well out of his unit trusts. See the chart in the article where he's returned close to 2863 % in around 29 years compared to just over 1037% on the FTSE All Share index

He's launching a new fund which would likely suit certain people looking for income from equities.

I think it also plays to his strengths of UK equity income investing - unlike Woodford Capital investment trust, where he seems to have strayed from his core skill sets, for now at least

Suits my stage of life and what I'm looking for at the moment.
Worth a look... particularly for British investors with access to UK markets, looking for sterling based income.

================================================
New: CF Woodford Income Focus Fund
Overview
Neil Woodford’s new CF Woodford Income Focus Fund has a primary aim of generating a high income that will grow over time. It also has the potential to provide some capital growth.

The manager will seek to provide income of 5p per share per annum once the fund is fully up and running (the launch price is £1 per share). However, with new funds it can take time for income to build so investors will need to be patient while the income record is established. Remember there are no guarantees any specific level of dividend will be achieved.

What can you expect from the fund?
To deliver a high income Neil Woodford will invest in a range of larger, predominantly UK-based, high-yielding companies; some of these will be companies he has invested in for many years. The portfolio will be relatively concentrated, consisting of approximately 50 companies, allowing each investment to contribute significantly to performance, though this approach increases risk. He also has the flexibility to invest in companies of all sizes, including higher risk smaller companies.
contd.
www.hl.co.uk/funds/neil-woodford-new-fund
 

Edited April 8, 2017 by fletchsmile